The Hot List: Election Night Parties

Party Like It's November 4, 2008

You've been waiting two years for this day to come. Two years of speeches, promises, lies and debates (sort of like your last relationship). Now that it's finally here, you need a drink. In a big, big way. But with so many roundups and choices out there, we thought we'd simplify things and whittle your options down to the six places that'll get you from Bush to _____ in style. Now all you have to do is choose...

If You Can't Sleep Until This Thing Is Done Sleepover at Storefront If you know you won't be able to sleep until 44 comes home to roost, you might as well spend the night with the rest of the huddled masses. Storefront is projecting huge screens on the outside of La Esquina, setting up blogging stations (for reading and writing) and handing out booze while it lasts. Sleeping bags and food are BYO... 411: 6pm-7am, 97 Kenmare St (at Cleveland), 212-431-5795

If You're Hoping to See a Real Live Republican Southern Hospitality Election Watch Party The Timberlake-owned Upper East Side bbq joint is remaining neutral despite its red-state-baiting name. There are $2 donkey and elephant shots all night, an hour of on-the-house margaritas, fourteen flat screens tuned in to the action and a few cheesed-out election menu items (go for the Barack O'Burger or the McCain and Cheese). 411: 7pm, 1460 2nd Ave (between 76th and 77th), 212-249-1001

If You Majored in History, Art or Art History Election Night Trivia at Salon Aleman Drop by the Salon Aleman inside the New Museum to taste some limited-edition tequila, watch live coverage of the exit polls and play campaign trivia against your fellow citizen revelers. First prize is a new President. 411: $20, 7-10 pm, New Museum, 235 Bowery (at Prince), 212-219-1222

If You Want the All-American Meal Election Night Party at Craftsteak Fresh off the Burger Bash, Tom Colicchio is putting his beefy entry (complete with balsamic onions and truffled Pecorino Romano cheese), along with other all-American dishes like deviled eggs and fried mac and cheese, on a special election night menu. There'll also be all-American TVs in the lounge tuned to the election madness. 411: 5:30pm, 85 10th Ave (at 15th St), 212-400-6699

If Your "Party" Has Nothing to Do with Politics Tribeca Grand Election Night Gala Sure, there will be live election results and all the normal hoopla, but if you're looking for something a bit more...downtown, stop by for the DJs (including Gordon Hull from Surface 2 Air) and drink specials. And the decidedly independent crowd. 411: 9pm, RSVP here, 2 Avenue of the Americas (between White and Walker), 212-519-6600

If You Prefer the UN to the White House We The People at Merkato 55 The spirit of togetherness has always been strong in the MPD (in its own special way, of course). Here to bring Republicans, Democrats and Europeans together in an haute-African restaurant is the We The People party at Merkato. Expect drink specials, passed hors d'oeuvres and lots of electoral math. 411: Dinner 5:30-7pm, party afterwards, RSVP here, 55 Gansevoort St (between Greenwich and Washington), 212-255-8555